Dialogue Programs

The main feature of Pathways are two seminars offered for full credit through the Experimental College: The Power of Narrative: Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Literature and Film (Fall 2007) and Pathways to Faith: Religious Pluralism Dialogue (Fall 2009).

The Power of Narrative:
Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Literature & Film
Many analysts have described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a struggle between two clashing narratives. This course aims to explore these two narratives through the lens of literature and film. Course material will include books and films created by and about Israelis and Palestinians, as well as by outside observers, about the experience of living within the reality of this conflict. The material will be used to explore how narrative informs and shapes the views of the different characters in this intense conflict. We will also explore the power dynamics of narrative, how and why certain stories get told, and the effect this has on those within the conflict and those outside of it. The course seeks to provide a deeper lens into the conflict, and offer an opportunity to both reflect on the past and share ideas about the future of the conflict and peace-building in the region. The format of the course will be dialogue-based, with students engaging in conversation about the materials presented, and sharing their own perspectives on the narratives.

Pathways to Faith: Religious Pluralism Dialogue
This exploratory interfaith discussion aims to look at the three major monotheistic faith traditions represented on the Tufts University campus. Primarily using textual sources, both historical and contemporary, in this group we will examine how faith permeates identity on both a personal and communal level, including an exploration of the cultural issues surrounding religious practices and beliefs. Students will select topics to be discussed such questions of gender, reformation movements, the question of self identity, and the connection between religion and the state, among others. Questions with broader philosophical underpinnings, such as humankind's relation to the environment, will also be discussed. We will analyze some of these issues through assigned readings and group discussions. Audio-visual media will be utilized as well. We will also engage in cross-cultural celebrations around various holidays.


	Dialogue Programs Back to Conference page The main feature of Pathways are two seminars offered for full credit through the Experimental College: The Power of Narrative: Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Literature and Film (Fall 2007) and Pathways to Faith: Religious Pluralism Dialogue (Fall 2009). The Power of Narrative: Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Literature & Film Many analysts have described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a struggle between two clashing narratives. This course aims to explore these two narratives through the lens of literature and film. Course material will include books and films created by and about Israelis and Palestinians, as well as by outside observers, about the experience of living within the reality of this conflict. The material will be used to explore how narrative informs and shapes the views of the different characters in this intense conflict. We will also explore the power dynamics of narrative, how and why certain stories get told, and the effect this has on those within the conflict and those outside of it. The course seeks to provide a deeper lens into the conflict, and offer an opportunity to both reflect on the past and share ideas about the future of the conflict and peace-building in the region. The format of the course will be dialogue-based, with students engaging in conversation about the materials presented, and sharing their own perspectives on the narratives. Pathways to Faith: Religious Pluralism Dialogue This exploratory interfaith discussion aims to look at the three major monotheistic faith traditions represented on the Tufts University campus. Primarily using textual sources, both historical and contemporary, in this group we will examine how faith permeates identity on both a personal and communal level, including an exploration of the cultural issues surrounding religious practices and beliefs. Students will select topics to be discussed such questions of gender, reformation movements, the question of self identity, and the connection between religion and the state, among others. Questions with broader philosophical underpinnings, such as humankind's relation to the environment, will also be discussed. We will analyze some of these issues through assigned readings and group discussions. Audio-visual media will be utilized as well. We will also engage in cross-cultural celebrations around various holidays.